Connected to Others

What are you connected to? Do you ever articulate or just accept “the fact” that there are certain things you just cannot live without? What we are connected to is a two-way street. Connections are made up of inputs and outputs. What we may see as something that we are receiving from, we may not be considering what is coming out of us in this exchange (time, energy and money for example). First, we want to be connected to God Who is Holy Spirit. We want to live a life filled with the holy spirit. Also, no one really lives alone, so in addition to our relationship with God, we want to make sure that we are being connected to the right kinds of people. Human relational dynamics seem to have just as many variables and possibilities as creation itself. When these connections have static, where do we draw the line or repair the breach? When does love require wisdom? We know that Jesus was the friend of sinners and socially despised (Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34). Jesus also ate and drank, sharing meals with these same people (Mark 2:16 and Luke 5:30). Where do we make the distinction that these connections are determining our behavior? The personal and honest answer to the following question is a strong indication of when wisdom comes into play. Are our connections degrading our relationship with God?

1 Corinthians 15:33 NAS, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.'”

Why would Paul have to begin this thought with “Do not be deceived” unless there was a common or strong possibility of deception in this specific area of life? Bad company corrupts good morals. But, we just talked about how Jesus spent time and ate meals with the socially despised and sinners? We need to give ear to the Holy Spirit in our personal lives. Connections that may be very close to us, in business, in family and even in the church community, could be considered “bad company” if they are corrupting “good morals”. There is a definite possibility for deception in this area, and the determining factor should be the answer to the explicit question, “Is this connection a corrosive connection?” Take a look at this section of Ephesians, and if something or someone comes to mind, pray. During or after praying over the situation, you may need to do something about it. Repair the breach if there is one, and keep your relationship with God pure, our first and most treasured connection. God will gives us wisdom in our walk of love to take care of people while maintaining our integrity before Him.

Ephesians 5:6-14 NAS, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'”